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Last Modified:  February 19, 2024
                
    

                  


      
  
      
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Animal Care employee and zoo employee standing in front of an exhibit of flamingos in backgroundAnimal Care works to ensure the humane treatment of more than 1 million vulnerable animals, nationwide. Through inspections and outreach, we oversee thousands of groups, from breeders to managers of horse shows, to make sure their animals receive care and treatment that meets Federal standards. We also provide national leadership on the safety and well-being of pets and other animals during disasters.

  


Learn more about our organization and the authorities under which we work.
                      

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Ensuring the Humane Treatment of Animals
                    Regulations established under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) set standards for the humane care and treatment of certain animals exhibited to the public, sold for use as pets, used in research, or transported commercially.
                            Find AWA Services and Information
                              Center for Animal Welfare
                    The Center for Animal Welfare is a national resource for Federal agencies, State and local officials, foreign governments, industry groups, partner organizations, universities, and others. With expertise in a wide range of animal species, we can provide advice and best practices for humane care and treatment, health, and welfare.
                            Explore the Center for Animal Welfare
                              Protecting Animals in Emergencies
                    We work closely with other government organizations under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Response Framework to develop an integrated approach to disaster relief for pets and other animals.
                            Learn About Our Emergency Programs
                              Ending the Practice of Soring Horses
                    The Horse Protection Act and its associated regulations seek to put an end to soring–a cruel and inhumane practice in which chemical or mechanical irritants are applied to a horse's legs to enhance their gait. We monitor for sored horses and prevent them from participating in exhibitions, shows, sales, or auctions.
                            Learn About the HPA

                      

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Animal Welfare Resources
                    Are you part of our AWA-regulated community, interested in becoming licensed or registered, or just looking to learn more? We offer many publications and guidance documents on the AWA and related topics.
                              Attending Veterinarians
                    Attending veterinarians are essential to the success of AWA-regulated facilities. Learn about their authority, duties, and more.
                              AWA Standards for Birds ("Bird Rule")
                    This page gives an overview of the new welfare standards for birds published in the Federal Register on February 21, 2023.
                              Import Permits (Dogs for Resale and Adoption)
                    We work with partners at U.S. ports of entry to make sure dogs imported into the United States for commercial sale or adoption meet the AWA's health, age, and vaccination requirements. Find out about import permit requirements for these dogs or apply for a permit. USDA Logoaphis.usda.gov
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